Social apathy is destroying this nation’s culture. When we choose to do nothing in the face of injustice we are condoning it, as surely as if we were committing the offense ourselves. Daily, hundreds of eyes witness juvenile interpersonal violence in our neighborhoods and we do nothing, believing that it is none of our business.

Aggressive bullying is a specific dynamic which presents when a bully befriends a peer who is passive. Once a relationship has been formed, the bully starts exploiting the passivity of the other through intimidation, humiliation and physical aggression. It is the very same relational dynamic seen in adult domestic violence relationships.

So what is a neighbor to do?

Intervene. Step in and stop the bully’s behaviors. Until adults are willing to get involved, bullies will continue to victimize other, less aggressive, kinder kids.

Apathy in this area of human relationships can have long-lasting consequences. We must do our part as individuals and as a society to stop interpersonal victimization whether it occurs at a juvenile or adult level.

Interceding to stop juvenile relational violence is a social responsibility we are neglecting. The old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child” couldn’t be more appropriate.

Please — if you see something, do something. Action protects everybody.

Christa Kay, Lisbon Falls